Two mission-minded Adventists from Southeastern California have formed an unlikely but promising alliance for outreach.

Julio Diaz is a former champion wrestler in Venezuela, former drug addict, converted Adventist and newly trained chaplain. David Abbey is a statistician and research scientist who served for 30 years on the faculty of the Loma Linda University School of Public Health.

Four years ago they were total strangers. Today, they coordinate a unique mission in Baja, Mexico, called MARS—Mexico Addiction Recovery System—begun by donations from friends. During the past three years, more than 60 men and women with addictions have taken the program. The two-year success rate is 70 percent—twice that of most recovery programs.

Why Mexico? Abbey suffers with an incurable and painful form of arthritis (Ankylosing Spondylitis). Friends invited him and his wife to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico for the therapy of hot water, swimming and sun. Much improved in just two weeks, he prayed for God’s guidance on how to help others there.

To learn the community’s greatest needs, he organized a survey. Addiction prevention and recovery emerged as the top priority. The city has become a fabulous resort for international tourists. But, some tourists flaunt immoral lifestyles, and addictions to drugs, sex and alcohol abound.

Abbey invited doctors and nurses from California to teach classes in drug abuse prevention and maternal child care. City leaders were pleased, but added, “Dr. Abbey, these health professionals are wonderful, but we really need someone who speaks Spanish and understands the culture.”

He replied, “Pray that Julio Diaz will come.” Until then, he and Diaz had met only casually. Diaz was completing his master’s degree in clinical ministry at Loma Linda University and job hunting. Abbey boldly invited Diaz to minister to addicts Mexico.

Diaz was intrigued. Given an air ticket, he flew to Cabo San Lucas to meet civic leaders. He saw the grip that addictions had on the city. To his own surprise, Diaz felt God calling him to lead this unfunded mission adventure.

What is his recovery program like? “It is God-centered and Bible-based,” Diaz says. He also uses every tool at his own command—his story of breaking free of drugs, his considerable charisma, a charming smile and no-nonsense leadership style. The program is intense—four hours a day, five evenings a week for three weeks. After a break, during which he returns to his family in California, Diaz goes back to Mexico—for another three weeks, and then another, and another.

“Six graduates are now ready to lead recovery groups,” Diaz says. “Our goal is to make this program self-propagating.”

Says Abbey, “This mission continues by faith alone. We thank everyone who contributes to its success!”

For more information, contact Dr. David Abbey at 530-547-4389.